Online enticement & inappropriate content

Misleading internet domains often lead to sites that contain content that is inappropriate in nature for kids for example sexual or violent content. As adults, it is our responsibility to advise kids how to respond or react to inappropriate content. For example, when a child encounters inappropriate online content, they should be advised to exit the page or turn off the monitor and get help from a trusted adult.

At times, as kids grow up they become more sexually curious but they are often embarrassed to speak with an adult. This may result in kids using the internet to look for sexual content to learn and understand about sex and development. Studies show that the average age that male children first were exposed to pornography was 13. As adults we need to create a safe and comfortable space for kids to talk about these subjects, rather than leaving room for kids to turn to the internet where the information may or may not be accurate or appropriate.

Another common problem on the internet is online enticement. Online enticement is a type of exploitation that occurs on the internet, involving an individual communicating with someone believed to be a child with the intent to commit a sexual offense or abduction. This can takes place on social media, messaging apps, gaming platforms, etc. The most common tactics used to entice children are listed below:

• Engaging in sexual conversation/role playing
• Asking the child for sexually explicit images of themselves or mutually sharing images
• Developing a rapport through compliments, discussing shared interests, or “liking” their online post
• Sending or offering sexually explicit images of themselves
• Pretending to be younger
• Offering a financial or other incentive such as money, promises, etc.

As adults should talk to kids about how certain online behaviors may increase the risk for online enticement. These behaviors include:

• Lying about being older to access certain platforms which would allow communication with older individuals
• Initiating online communication and/or offering an exchange with offenders, such as requesting financial compensation or other goods for sexually explicit content of oneself
• Sending explicit photos or videos (known as “sexts”) of oneself to another user